National Wildlife Federation Awarded National Fish And Wildlife Foundation Grant To Improve Wildlife Habitat And Water Quality In Baltimore
Baltimore to be largest certified wildlife habitat in Chesapeake Bay region
BALTIMORE - October 1, 2014 - The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) was awarded $200,000 by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation through their Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fund to increase native wildlife habitat, decrease polluted runoff, and foster greater environmental awareness and stewardship ethic within the Baltimore community of McElderry Park.
The city of Baltimore is famous for its birds ̶ the Orioles and Ravens sports teams are so popular that some call the city “Birdland.” NWF and its Maryland affiliate, the National Aquarium, are leading an effort to certify Baltimore as the largest Community Wildlife Habitat™ in the Chesapeake Bay region to ensure that birds have a home in the city.
“This grant will allow us to design a ‘deep green community’ in the McElderry Park neighborhood where residents and visitors can see and understand different practices to reduce polluted runoff such as rain gardens, pollinator-friendly gardens, and conservation landscaping,” says Kim Martinez, NWF’s regional education manager. “This project will showcase ways to decrease polluted runoff and improve wildlife habitat for birds, bees, and butterflies while creating a model for others interested in creating backyard sanctuaries, beautifying their neighborhoods, and creating a sense of community.”
NWF has been promoting habitat restoration in urban and suburban backyards, businesses, schools and other settings for more than 40 years through its Certified Wildlife Habitat™ program. Following NWF guidelines, participants provide essential components for wildlife ̶ food, water, cover, and places to raise young. More than 170,000 homeowners, school, businesses, and civic organizations have certified and are doing their part for wildlife. A campaign to certify 600 homes, 10 parks, and 6 schools is well underway in Baltimore, creating a network of oases for urban and suburban wildlife that will span the city.
NWF and its partners, Blue Water Baltimore, Banner Neighborhoods, Baltimore Tree Trust, and Amazing Grace Lutheran, will begin work with 20 McElderry Park resident volunteers in transforming their yards, community spaces and the two churches that bookend the east and west edges of the community.
“This project starts and ends with the people of Baltimore,” says Hillary Falk, regional executive director. “And we couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with the residents of McElderry Park on this project.”
For more National Wildlife Federation news, visit: www.nwf.org/news.
National Wildlife Federation is America’s largest conservation organization, inspiring Americans to protect wildlife for our children’s future.
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Christina Batcheler
703-438-6098
National Wildlife Federation is America's largest conservation organization inspiring Americans to protect wildlife for our children's future. Learn more at www.nwf.org.